Orthodontic Assistant Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

The term "overbite" specifically describes the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth over the lower front teeth. This dental condition is a common aspect measured when assessing a person's bite and orthodontic health. In a normal overbite, the upper incisors should slightly cover the lower incisors when the mouth is closed.

An excessive overbite can lead to various dental issues such as wear on the teeth, jaw pain, or even difficulty in chewing and speaking. Understanding the correct definition of an overbite is crucial for orthodontic treatment planning, as it helps in determining the necessary corrective measures to achieve an optimal bite and alignment.

The other options refer to different dental concepts; however, they do not accurately define an overbite. Horizontal overlap would be related to overjet, overcrowding pertains to the arrangement and spacing of teeth, and a gap between teeth describes a diastema, none of which correspond to the characteristics of an overbite.